Ileal perforation peritonitis secondary to accidental ingestion of a chicken bone: A case report

Introduction and importance: Ileal perforation is a rare but serious condition that can arise from accidental ingestion of foreign objects. This report discusses an unusual case of ileal perforation peritonitis caused by ingestion of a chicken bone. Case presentation: A 60-year-old male presented with acute generalized abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting for three days. A physical examination revealed signs of peritonitis. Imaging results were unremarkable. Emergency laparotomy revealed perforation in the ileum caused by the chicken bone. The perforated segment was resected, and primary anastomosis was performed. Clinical discussion: Ingestion of foreign bodies, although common, rarely leads to gastrointestinal perforations. Among these foreign bodies, chicken bones are rarely reported, making the diagnosis challenging because of nonspecific symptoms and low clinical suspicion. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for managing complications such as peritonitis and sepsis. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering foreign body ingestion in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain, particularly in patients without an obvious cause of peritonitis. Early detection and timely surgical intervention are essential to improve patient outcomes.